Mimetite
Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameMimetite
Chemical FormulaPb5(AsO4)3Cl
Mohs Hardness3.5
Crystal Systemhexagonal
Lusterresinous
Streak Colorwhite to yellowish white
Cleavagepoor on {1010}
Fractureconchoidal to uneven
Specific Gravity7.24
Colorsyellow, orange, brown, white
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityTsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine), Tsumeb, Otjikoto (Oshikoto) Region, Namibia
Mineral GroupPhosphates, Arsenates, Vanadates (Apatite Group)
Usescollector, minor lead ore
Associated Mineralscerussite, anglesite, smithsonite, goethite, malachite
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen features brilliantly sparkling, lustrous, translucent yellow crystals of mimetite forming radiating aggregates on a dark matrix.
Geological Context
Mimetite is a secondary mineral found in the oxidized zones of lead deposits, typically forming from the alteration of primary lead minerals in the presence of arsenic-bearing solutions.
